The early history of medical education in Hull and York goes back to the three following institutions: Hull Medical School (1831), York Medical Society (1832) and the York Medical School (1834).^[1] Notable doctors associated with the York school included John Hughlings Jackson (in whose honour the modern medical school building at the University of York is named), Daniel Hack Tuke, Thomas Laycock (physiologist), James Atkinson (surgeon), and Sir Jonathan Hutchinson. It is thought that the York school closed in the 1860s.

The founding of a medical school as part of the University of Hull was considered in the Report of the Royal Commission on Medical Education 1965–68 (Todd Report) (published 1968), but the idea was not thought viable until the Humber Bridge was completed, as it would enable students to travel to placements in South Lincolnshire.

The medical school has 156 places for 2018 and receives around 1,200 applications each year.^[2] Of the successful applicants each year, half are based at the University of Hull and the other half are based at the University of York for the first two years of their course. In 2017, the medical school was ranked 17th in the UK by The Guardian University Subject Guide^[3] and 17th by the Complete University Guide 2018.^[4] For 2019 these rankings fell to 30th and 26th respectively.

As of 2019^[update] applicants are required to sit the UCAT admissions test.

Students spend the two years in phase one at their academic bases (either Hull or York). Phase two consists of rotation around York, Hull, Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Scarborough and Northallerton/Middlesbrough. In the final year of the course (phase three), students essentially take on the role of a 'junior' pre-registration house officer and are also able to carry out an 'elective' period overseas. This is a common feature in most UK medical curricula. The school's first international students began their studies in September 2006.

Hull York Medical School course uses problem-based learning.^[5] There is an emphasis on early and sustained clinical experience in General Practices, hospitals and community settings.

The medical school allows students to intercalate a BSc or master's degree in various subjects, such as anatomy, biology and ethics.

The medical degree curriculum is five years long and on completion students graduate with an MB BS degree (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery).

Hull York Medical School is based at two university sites, the University of Hull and University of York, and is partnered with 3 Acute NHS Trusts and 3 Mental Health Trusts.^[6]

Acute Trusts and Hospitals

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust:

• Hull Royal Infirmary
• Castle Hill Hospital

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust:

• Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital
• Scunthorpe General Hospital

York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust:

• York Hospital
• Scarborough General Hospital

Mental Health Trusts

• Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust
• Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
• Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust

• William Gillespie OBE (2003–2007)
• Ian Greer (2007–2010)
• Tony Kendrick (2010–2013)
• Trevor Sheldon (November 2013 - December 2016)
• Una Macleod (January 2017 - December 2023)
• Professor Matt Morgan (January 2024 - Present)

John Lee, professor of Clinical Pathology was a co-presenter on Anatomy for Beginners (screened in the UK on Channel 4 in 2005) in which he explained the dissections of Gunther von Hagens. He co-presented a second series with von Hagens in 2006 called Autopsy: Life and Death (Channel 4, 2006). He left the medical school in 2014.

• The Hull York Medical School
• Discussion forum for applicants to Hull York Medical School